Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail 4D/3N
Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
The 4 day Huchuy Qosqo and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour offers you an incredible opportunity to combine together 2 of the most beautiful hikes in the Sacred Valley.
Days 1 and 2 will take you on adventure from Tambomachay, over the mountains of the Sacred Valley to the royal Inca estate of Huchuy Qosqo, meaning ‘little Cusco’ in Quechua.
Day 3 is a 13km day hike along part of the most famous trail in Peru, the Inca trail to Macchu Picchu! Taking you on an epic journey through Inca history, visiting the impressive sites of Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna and Inti Punku sun gate, before reaching the iconic citadel of Macchu Picchu.
Day 4 will provide you with a second opportunity to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world, only this time at sunrise!
Places to visit :
- Tambomachay
- Huchuy Qosqo
- Pumamarca
- Ollantaytambo
- Inca Trail
- Wiñayhuayna
- Inti Punku Sun Gate
- Machu Picchu
- Aguas Calientes
- Huayna Picchu
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Itinerary
- DAY 1 : CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – PUMAMARCA
- DAY 2 : HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO
- DAY 3 : OLLANTAYTAMBO – INCA TRAIL – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU
- DAY 4 : AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
DAY 1 – CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – PUMAMARCA
The Huchuy Qosqo Tour begins with pick up from your hotel in Cusco at 6am. Your private transport will transfer you the short, 30 minute drive to the start of the hike at the archaeological site of Tambomachay at 3,700 m / 12,138 ft.
The mornings’ trail will take you over mountainous Andean grasslands, elevating 300 meters to the Soccllaccasa Pass at 4,020 m / 13,186 ft. The trail continues on to the archaeological remains at the Cauca Ravine, where you will also find wild crops, such as tarwi, cochineal, and a large number of cacti. Ascending on, you will arrive at the Queullococha pass at 4,185 m / 13,727 ft, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the snowy peaks of mountains Veronica, Pitusiray and Chicon.
Our lunch stop for the day will be on the shores of the Queullococha lagoon, where you’ll befriend a local Andean bird named Huallata, aswell as families of native ducks and small fresh water fish. After which, you’ll follow your guide up to the Challu Challu Pass at 4,220 m / 13,842 ft. From here, you can see the Chinchero plains and the lagoons of Piuray and Qoricocha.
The final ascent of the day will be to the fourth pass of Rumicruz at 4,230 m / 13,874 ft. Followed by a hike through an ancient Inca Trail to the Inca quarry that was used to extract stones for the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site. Finally you will descend an elevation of 200 meters towards the community of Pucamarca at 4,010 m / 13,153 ft. Arriving in late afternoon, you will set up camp, enjoy a hearty dinner, and sleep the night under the starlit Andean sky.
DAY 2 – PUMAMARCA – HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO
After an early breakfast, you will depart camp at 7am to begin the hike to Huchuy Qosqo. The first leg of the day will be a descent along an ancient trail into the Leon Punku Ravine. Bursting with history, the canyon boasts enormous geological formations and the remains of an Inca bridge and footpath. It is also surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river towards Huchuy Qosqo.
Huchuy Qosqo sits at 3,650 m/ 11,975 ft on an agricultural plateau, surrounding by stepped terraces. It is an Inca archaeological complex with imposing architecture that includes a large open ceremonial center. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River below. Your guide will take you on a journey through its rich history and give you chance to explore the King’s palace, the temple of water, and ceremonial altars, before regrouping for the next leg of the trek.
For the following 2 hours, you will descend down the mountain trail until you arrive at the small community of Tauca at 3,762 m / 12,343 ft. Here you will have lunch and take your private transport to your hotel in Ollantaytambo.
After enjoying a well earned dinner in a local restaurant, you’ll be glad to fall into bed in your hotel and rest up for the days ahead.
DAY 3 – OLLANTAYTAMBO – INCA TRAIL – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES
Day 3 of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu tour, begins with pick up from your hotel in Ollantaytambo and transfer to the local train station. At 7:20am you will take a 1-hour train journey to the start of the hike, Kilometer 104 at 2,200m / 7,217 ft.
After crossing the bridge over the Willkamayu River (Sacred River in Quechua), you’ll pass through the checkpoint into the national park and find the first archaeological site of the day, Chachabamba (valley of the trees in Quechua). The ruins are hidden inside a pristine semi-tropical forest, surrounded by fertile land and lush vegetation.
Once you have had chance to explore the ruins of Chachabamba, you will begin the 3-hour climb up the mountain trail to Wiñaywayna. The hike is tough but steady and will treat you to spectacular views of agricultural stepped terraces, cloud forests and glistening waterfalls. Along the trail you will also get to know the local collection of flora and fauna, unique to the region, such as the Wiñay Wayna orchid, the Molle shrub and the Qeuña (Polylepis racemosa).
At around midday, you’ll arrive at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñayhuayna. The name means ‘Forever Young’ in Quechua and is inspired by the beautiful orchids that surround the site. Located at 2,650 m / 8,694 ft, the complex it situated upon the steep slopes of the hillside, amongst 40 levels of agricultural stepped terraces, overlooking the Urubamba River. Built by the Emperor Pachacutec in the 15th century, the citadel is one of the most famous sites within the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, and was once an important venue for agriculture, religion and administration. Here your guide will take you on a journey through its history and provide you with an opportunity to rest and eat the lunch box we have prepared for you.
After lunch at Wiñayhuayna, you’ll begin the afternoons’ hike to the Inti Punku Sun Gate. After hauling yourself up the steps for an hour or so, you’ll be greeted by the most breathtaking, panoramic view of Machu Picchu. At 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, the sun gate is strategically located to welcome noble visitors of the Inca citadel, acting as a control gate for its elite visitors. As well as offering one of the most stunning views of the sanctuary and its surrounding mountains, the sacred site is also famed for framing the sunrise during the winter solstice in June.
With a camera full of photos of that unforgettable view, you will follow the trail onward to Machu Picchu. Descending for 45 minutes, to the gates of the Lost city of the Incas at 2,490 m / 8,169 ft. Your first encounter with the citadel will be a relatively short one, but since our arrival will be late in the afternoon, there will be few tourists around to share it with.
As there will be plenty more time to befriend the Inca city on day 5, you and your guide will take the 30 minute tourist bus from Machu Picchu entrance to the town below, Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) is situated at 2,160 m / 7,086 ft, 300m lower than Machu Picchu, and will be your resting place for the night. It is also home to a public ATM, a collection of thermal baths (hot springs) and a multitude of bars and restaurants. Once your guide has accompanied you to your hotel for check in, they will also direct you to the restaurant where you will be treated to an a la carte menu that evening, and possibly a celebratory drink.
*If you wish to relax in the thermal baths (hot springs), they are only a 10 minute walk from the town center and are open for visitors until 8pm. Entrance fee is 10 soles (optional extra cost).*
DAY 4 – AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU TOUR – CUSCO
After taking breakfast in your hotel, your guide will meet you at reception and escort you the bus station where you will board the tourist bus to Machu Picchu. The scenic route from Aguas calientes takes you on a 30 minute bus ride up the mountainside to the entrance of the Inca citadel. Once inside, you will be taken on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu, journeying through its rich history, as you make your way through the Inca city with your personal tour guide. Aswell as visiting the famous sites of the temple of the sun, the central plaza and the stepped terraces, you will have plenty opportunity to take the bucket list photos you came for atop the panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu. Before boarding the bus back down the mountain, your guide will also allow you time to explore the mysteries of the sanctuary alone.
Once you have regrouped with your guide and taken the bus back to Aguas Calientes, there will be time to take lunch in one of Machu Picchu towns’ many restaurants (optional extra), before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo. There you will be greeted by your guide and private transportation who will take you on the 2-hour drive back to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival time in Cusco is approximately 6.30pm.
*There will also be time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain in this tour after your guided tour of the Inca citadel. However please be aware, this will be an extra cost of $70 USD per person and will involve an extra 2-hours hiking. Return to Cusco will therefore be aboard a later train and arrival time in Cusco will be approx 8.30pm.*
Included
- Pick up from the hotel in Cusco
- Professional English/Spanish speaking tour guide
- Entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosqo, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu
- Private transport from Cusco to Tambomachay
- Private transport from Tauca to Ollantaytambo
- Trekking poles – 2 poles per person
- Food: 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Vegetarian/vegan and special diets requested
- Chef and their cooking equipment
- All camping equipment : 3 person tents (with enough space for belongings)
- Sleeping bags for entire trek – suitable for -15° C / 5° F.
- Comfortable inflatable mattresses & pillows
- Dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs
- Muleteers & horses to carry tents, food, and cooking equipment – 7kg per person
- 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu
- Bus ticket: to/from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
- Train ticket: Ollantaytambo to Km 104 (expedition)
- Train ticket: Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (expedition)
- Private transport to Cusco from Ollantaytambo
- 1 night hotel in Ollantaytambo (inc. breakfast)
- 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes (inc. breakfast)
- Oxygen and first aid kit
Not Included
- Food not included in the itinerary
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 4
- Optional lunch in Machu Picchu town : $ 27 USD (upon client request)
- Hike to Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu mountain : $ 70 USD (upon client request)
- Optional entrance to thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (S / .10 soles)
- Gratuities / Tips for the guide, porters and cook
Recommendations to bring
- Original passport – expiration date no less than 7 months
- Valid Student ID card (if student booking)
- Good quality walking boots or shoes
- Sandals for down time (very important)
- Baselayers of varying temperatures, especially for the night
- Thermals, gloves, scarves, wooly hat
- Good quality trekking socks to avoid blisters
- Raincoat or long poncho (for rainy season)
- Waterproof trousers (for rainy season)
- Long sleeve shirts
- Long trousers
- Shorts suitable for hiking
- Wide-brimmed hat – UPV is strong at altitude
- Canteen water bottle as you should drink plenty of fluid on the trail
- Headlamp/Torch (very important)
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Medicine/personal effects (eg. contact lense liquid)
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Camera or phone camera
- Portable battery charger
- Toilet paper (not usually found on trail)
- Small travel towel
- Cash/coins – small denominations – soles & dollars
- Swimming suit for the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes (optional)
Packing List
ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Original Passport
- VALID STUDENT ID CARD (if booked as a student)
- Immigration card (delivered on the airport upon entering Peru)
- Good quality backpack (medium sized)
- Water storage bottle or canteen: Camelbak bottles are recommended, but all need to be sufficient to hold 1-2 litres
- Comfortable shoes, preferably light with good soles (waterproof goretex for rainy seasons)
FOR YOUR BAGGAGE:
The train and horses have a limit of 7 kilograms per person, we therefore recommend bringing only important things to Machu Picchu.
- 4 Long sleeve shirts
- 4 Breathable t-shirts
- 2 Hiking trousers
- 4 Sets of underwear
- 4 Pairs of socks
- 1 Shorts (suitable for hiking)
- 2 Fleece
- 1 Waterproof coat and pants (for rainy seasons)
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sandals – for downtime and hot springs in Machu Picchu town
- Small quick-drying travel towel
- Portable battery charger for your phone and cameras
TOILETRIES:
- Sunscreen
- Facial moisturiser
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Personal medication
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
ITEMS TO TAKE INSIDE MACHU PICCHU:
We recommend taking a backpack into the citadel, however please be aware that bags of more than 25 liters will not be allowed. Larger backpacks will need be stored outside the gates of the citadel.
- Water bottle/canteen
- Sun hat
- Rain clothes
- Camera or phone camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper & small plastic bag for waste
- Extra cash for souvenirs, drinks and tips
Additional Information
- Extra tickets will need to be purchased to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain
- There are limited number of spaces available per day, so we recommend requesting booking the tickets in advance
- Once the mountain tickets are sold out for that day, there are no options available for extra tickets
- The cost to climb the Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu mountain is $ 70 USD per person. This will be added to the total cost
- Those hiking Inca Trail that wish to do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, will also be charged an extra $ 70 USD
- IMPORTANT: Before requesting tickets to the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, check availability by contacting us!
- Departure dates: We have groups for the Inca trail every day of the year. except February, when the Inca Trail is closed throughout the month. The month of February you can visit Machu Picchu by train. is not possible to do the Inca Trail on february.
- Availability: To the Inca road of 2D / 1N Only 250 people per day are allowed. This figure includes tourists, guides, porters and cooks. The quotas are for all the people who wish to carry out the Inca Trail. So to make the Inca Trail it is essential to book months in advance. The availability of seats for the Inca Trail is the same for all agencies. Therefore before making your reservation, please check availability by contacting our email: machupicchuviajesperu@gmail.com
Where does the tour start and end?
- All ours tours begins with the pick up to the tourists at the door of their hotels “We pick up to our clients from any hotel located in the city of Cusco”, We recommend to stay close to the historical center of the city of Cusco, it will make it easier to find your hotel.
- All our tours ends at the door of the hotels, it means the tours will finish with transfer to your respective hotel located in Cusco.
How to prevent altitude sickness?
- The altitude sickness or soroche can cause you some discomfort during your visit such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea. Try to avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty foods before the visit.
- To reduce symptoms, try to acclimatize yourself one day before to the altitude of the city of Cusco. We recommend to drink infusions of coca leaf (natural plant used by the Incas) is an excellent option to avoid the actitude sickness.
How is the accommodation?
- For all the tours which include hotels. We offer hotels of 3* and 4* category, it has spacious and comfortable rooms, bathrooms, hot showers and bueffet breakfast. If the tourist like, you can change the accommodation to a better service. You just have to request it via email for an additional cost.
Which season is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
- The dry season months between April to December are the best time to come and visit Cusco. During those days the possibility of rain is very little, so the roads are not swampy and the landscapes can be better to enjoy and takes the best pictures. On the other hand, the months with the most rain are January, February and March.
What are the coldest months in Cusco Peru?
- The coldest season in Cusco are in the months from May to July. During this time the sun is strong in the day, but once it goes down or you spend much time in the shade, it can get very cold. It can go below zero at night, so warm clothes and Jackets are necessary to bring during these months.
How long in advance can I request the tour?
- We recommend to purchase the tours weeks or months in advance, this because the train and Machu Picchu tickets has a limit of spaces, dont wait until the lust minute to book your tour, other ways you will not be able to find spaces.
During the trip to Machu Picchu, where the big luggages will stay?
The train company that operates to Machu Picchu does not allow the traveler to carry a suitcase that weighs more than 7 kilograms. To go up and visit the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended to carry a light and small backpack for your convenience; the rest of the luggages you can leave them without any problem at the storage of your hotel in Cusco, or you can also leave at our office in Cusco city, we have an storage too.
Very Important in case you want to book the Inca trail to Machu Picchu:
- CLASSIC INCA TRAIL 4 DAYS: If you want to book the Classic Inca Trail 4 days, you must to book early to get your desired date. Depending on the month you prefer to do the hike, you may need to book 6 months or more in advance, the limit of spaces for the inca trail 4 days is 400 people per each day.
- SHORT INCA TRAIL: If you are booking the 1 or 2 day Inca Trail, it is preferred that you also book in advance, however 2 to 4 month in advance would be good, the limit of spaces for the short inca trail is 200 people per each day.
When is the best season to hike the Inca Trail?
- The best time of year to do the inca trail is between May to October, with August and September being the best months of all. The trail is dry and the weather is lovely. During the rainy season between November to April the trail will be wet and can make it more difficult.
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